WASHINGTON — Sen. John McCain, one of the nation's most prominent prisoners of war in Vietnam, and the American Legion saluted CBS on Monday for its apology about a recent episode of The Amazing Race that angered many veterans.

The March 17 segment of the reality show featured wreckage of an American B-52 bomber in Hanoi that was used as a prop for the contestants. The contestants also had to learn a song, performed for them by children in front of a picture of Ho Chi Minh, that included the lyrics "Vietnam Communist Party is glorious."

Before the show's latest episode this Sunday, Amazing Race host Phil Keoghan apologized to veterans — especially those who served in Vietnam — and their families who were offended. "All of us here have the most profound respect for the men and women who fight for our country," he said.

"CBS did the right thing by apologizing for #AmazingRace Hanoi episode," McCain, R-Ariz., posted on Twitter. "We all make mistakes — the issue is closed."

The American Legion also accepted the CBS apology. National Commander James Koutz told the Associated Press he believed it was sincere and heartfelt.

CBS' Amazing Race, a round-the-world travel marathon, has won nine Emmy Awards as the best reality competition show. The 22nd edition is averaging 9.6 million viewers.

McCain, the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, was shot down in October 1967 while on a bombing mission over Hanoi. He was held captive in the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" prison by the North Vietnamese for five and a half years.

Last week, McCain marked the 40th anniversary of his release from the Vietnamese prison. He has been active in the effort to normalize relations between the United States and Vietnam.